Four-time Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon avoided a suspension for retaliating against Clint Bowyer Sunday but was fined $100,000 and docked 25 points for the incident at Phoenix International Raceway.

Gordon was the only driver penalized for the brawl that erupted after he intentionally wrecked Bowyer. But Bowyer crew chief Brian Pattie was fined $25,000 for being involved in an altercation at the track and not controlling his team members.

Bowyer’s crew went after Gordon after he climbed from his car in the garage, and the two teams scuffled before NASCAR officials and security personnel broke it up.

Gordon, Pattie and Gordon crew chief Alan Gustafson were each placed on probation through Dec. 31. Gustafson’s probation was for not controlling his team members.

Gordon and team owner Rick Hendrick will not appeal the penalties, which include the team losing 25 points in the owner standings.

“I take responsibility for my actions on the racetrack,” Gordon said in a statement. “I accept NASCAR’s decision and look forward to ending the season on a high note at Homestead.”

With the penalty, Gordon dropped from 10th to 11th in the Chase for the Sprint Cup standings, four points behind Martin Truex Jr.

“I’ve always respected Jeff for standing his ground,” Hendrick said in a statement. “We also respect that NASCAR needs to police the sport and send a message when situations like this occur.

“It’s been a great year, and we’re going to put our focus on finishing in a positive way this weekend.”

Last year, NASCAR suspended Kyle Busch for the Nationwide and Sprint Cup races at Texas Motor Speedway after he retaliated against Ron Hornaday Jr. in the truck race at Texas. Busch had had a series of run-ins with Kevin Harvick, who owned Hornaday’s truck, before that incident.

NASCAR didn’t view Gordon’s retaliation in the same vein.

“Following a thorough analysis of the actions that took place during Sunday’s race at Phoenix International Raceway, we have issued penalties based upon our review,” NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said in a statement. “The decisions announced today cover NASCAR’s full assessment of penalties for the incidents that occurred.

“There’s no doubt that a unique set of circumstances combined with a championship battle on the line resulted in raw emotions coming into play. We consider the penalties appropriate and those involved understand our decision and we expect them to abide by them.”

Gordon indicated Sunday that he expected NASCAR to take action.

“They’ve got to do what they’ve got to do, just like I had to do what I had to do,” Gordon said.

Gordon, who has the longest current consecutive race streak among active drivers at 688, had one of his most memorable events at Phoenix.

The incident escalated after Bowyer make contact with Gordon with seven laps to go in the race. Gordon immediately attempted to wreck Bowyer but instead got himself out of the groove and into the wall. With the race still green, he waited for Bowyer to come back around the track and wrecked him, destroying both cars and collecting Joey Logano.

Bowyer and Gordon have had several incidents this year, including an accident that Gordon believes cost him the victory at Martinsville Speedway earlier this year.

"It’s just things have gotten escalated over the year, and I’ve just had it,’’ Gordon said. “Clint’s run into me numerous times, wrecked me and he got into me on the back straightaway and pretty much ruined our day. I’ve had it and was fed up with it and got him back.’’

Bowyer ripped Gordon for wrecking him.

"It's pretty embarrassing for a four-time champion and what I consider one of the best the sport has ever seen to act like that. (It’s) just completely ridiculous,” Bowyer said.

“I like to be consistent. I try to be as fair as I can, so hopefully they are too.”

Michael Waltrip Racing also issued a statement Monday evening, saying: “We accept the penalties announced by NASCAR today and look forward to finishing what has been a breakthrough season for Michael Waltrip Racing.”